Despite calls to withdraw troops after 14 South African soldiers died, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to continue supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"Achieving a lasting peace and security for the eastern DRC and the region requires the collective will of the community of nations," the president said, stressing that "South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC."
Earlier, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa warned Rwandan President Paul Kagame that any armed attack by Rwandan military forces on the South African troop contingent stationed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces would be considered an act of war.